Cable lubricator



June 21, 1949. J. E. TONNELlER CABLE LUBRICATOR 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 24, 1947 INVENTOR June 21, 1949. J. E. TONNELIER 2,474,128

CABLE LUBRIGATOR Filed Jan. 24, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 I R Jfli'mundl'onzzelzr June 21, 1949. v J. E. TONNELIER 2,474,128

CABLE LUBRICATOR Filed Jan. 24, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 ulmm HIIIIIIIT "gm!!! 5mm! ATTORNEY Patented June 21, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CABLE LUBRICATOR John Edmund Tonnelier, New York, N. Y.

Application January 24, 1947, Serial No. 723,993

13 Claims. 1

My invention relates to the lubrication of cables and in particular to means for lubricating the cables of a lift bridge.

In many cable-operated mechanisms, such as lift bridges, wherein a span is lifted at both ends to provide greater clearance for the passage of vessels, the proper maintenance of the cables which are constantly exposed to weather has been an expensive and difiicult task. The customary procedure has been to close a bridge to trafiic for an extended period of time while hot lubricant has been applied manually as by swabs or brushes. Not only does this manual method compel a lengthy'tie-up and rerouting of traffic during the period of the maintenance operation,

but droplets of oil are necessarily spilled upon the bridge structure and upon the roadway to the impairment of neatness and safety.

It is, accordingly, an object of my invention to provide improved means for maintaining cables.

It is another object to provide aless costly and more effective means for lubricating the cables of a; lift bridge without unduly tying-up the traffic that would normally flow across such bridge.

It is a more specific object to providemeans whereby the cables'of a lift bridgemay be lubricated with substantially no loss of lubricant-so "that the safety of theroadway surface may not be impaired.

It is a still more specific object to provide means for quickly and effectively lubricating a plurality of adjacent cables that are staggered so as to lie in different planes.

Other objects and various further features of the inventionwill be pointed out or will occur to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following specification. in connection with the Fig. 5 is a plan view of the device of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but with the lubricating device modified so as to permit performance of an additional function; and

Fig. 7 is a partially broken-away plan view of the modified structure of Fig. 6;

Broadly speaking, my invention contemplates the automatic lubrication of cables in a lift bridge or the like in the course of a normal full-up and full-down operation of the lifted span. Lubricant is carried in a bath or reservoir, and a system of rollers dips into this lubricant and applies the same to the sides of the cables, as by a wiping contact therewith. In the specific form to be described, means are provided whereby a single lubricating device may be employed to lubricate a plurality of cables of different spacings from the lubricating device and from each other. Depth of the penetration of lubricant into the cables may be regulated by a thermostatically controlled heater provided in the bath.

Referring to the drawings, my invention is shown in application to the lubrication of a plurality of cables I0, Il providing the lifting means for one end of a span 12 of a lift-bridge structure. The cables are strung over sheave means l3 journalled near the top of a lifting. tower l4 erected near the span end l2. Substantially one-half the weight of the span is offset by a counterweight l5 attached to the other ends of the cables Ill and II. Lifting of the span may be accomplished by the application of relatively low-power torques to the sheave means l3, as by means of a motor-driven gear engagement (not shown) therewith. In accordance with conventional practice, the cable means if! and II may spread slightly to their points of attachment with the span'end' I2 and with the counterthe lubricating means IE or I! need be employed and that either device may provide ellicient and eifective lubrication of both the cable means Hi and 1|.

Referring now to Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 5, I show in detail how one of my lubricating means it or ii may be employed in the simultaneous lubrication of a plurality of cables. In the case shown, there are twelve lifting cables more or less alined in sets of six in two planes diverging more or less in accordance with the divergence for the cables IE! and H in Fig. 1. The cables l8, L), 20, 2|, 22, and 23 lie substantially in one of the above-defined planes and are substantially equally spaced from each other. In the other set, cables 24, 25, 26, 21, 28, 2!! lie substantially in the second plane and are also equally spaced with respect to each other. Both planes converge to or substantially intersect in a transversely extending line at the points where the cables are tangent to or begin to run over the sheave means 13. The cables l8 through 23 of the first plane are staggered with respect to the cables 24 through 29 of the second plane.

In accordance with the invention, all of the cables in either one of the above-defined planes may be simultaneously lubricated by a single lubricating device. This lubrication is effected through the continuous wiping contact of a plurality of rollers 3|] with the cables in such plane. In the form shown, the rollers 33 are formed of substantially the same diameter and are rotatably mounted onthe sides of a lubricant bath 3|. Also pivotally supported by the bath 3! is another set of rollers 32, substantial parts of which are preferably always immerged in the lubricant carried in the bath 3|. The rollers 32 may be supported upon a common shaft and are spaced for peripheral wiping contact with the rollers 33. It will then be clear that upon a lifting operation of the bridge, that is upon a movement of the cables |8-23 with respect to the lubricating bath 3| and its associated elements, the rollers 30 will rotate so as to cause rotation of the rollers 32. The rollers 32 will evenly and continuously wet the peripheries of the rollers 38 with lubricant, and an even amount of lubricant will then be applied to substantially the entire used length of cables |8-23.

It will be appreciated that since the planes in which the two sets of cables |823 and 24-429 lie are convergent, there will be a slight lateral motion of these cables upon operation of the bridge. To compensate for this lateral motion at the point of lubrication, the lubricating bath 3| is preferably urged continuously and displaceably against the cables it is lubricating. In the form shown, this constant urging may be effected automatically by mounting the lubricating bath 3| upon a pivotal axis located preferably below the center of gravity of the bath 3| and on the side of the bath 3| away from the cables. The pivotal axis of support may be derived by removable placement of the bath 3| upon a transversely extending shaft or pipe 33, which in turn may be secured and permanently mounted upon a platform 34 or other structure as by means of angle brackets 35 bolted thereto. U-shaped brackets 36 formed with or attached to the bath 3| will clearly permit removable insertion of the bath 3| and of its associated rollers upon the pivotal shaft 33.

It will be observed that for the arrangement shown in Figs. 2 to 5, the roller means 3b are employed for lubricating the cables that are more remote from the lubricating bath 3|. For

this purpose, the rollers 30 are preferably of a diameter large enough to permit hub clearance with the adjacent cables which are in the other plane and which are therefore not being lubricated from the bath 3|. For a reason which will later be clear, all of the rollers 36 and all of the rollers 32 are spaced from each other by amounts corresponding to the spacing between cables that are to be lubricated, but they are spaced more from one end of the bath 3| than they are from the other end. This additional spacing may be provided by insertion of additional collars 3'1, 38 upon the shaft 35 forming axial support for the rollers 36, and by a corresponding set of collars or washers 33-50 at one end of the shaft M on which the rollers 32 are mounted.

For smooth and even application of lubricant to the periphery of the cable-Wetting rollers 38, I prefer that the mounting of these rollers 38 to the bath 3% be accomplished in a manner which will permit these rollers freely to ride upon the primary wetting rollers 32. In the form shown, this freedom is permitted to the rollers 39 by mounting their end bearings 42 in generally upwardly extending grooves, defined by tracks or ways #13 formed in the end of the bath 3| as by brazed strips of angle iron 32. The ways 33 preferably extend generally radially from the pivotal axis for the primary wetting rollers 32 and, if desired, the shaft 4|, on which the primary Wetting rollers 32 are mounted, may be supported in the bottom of the same ways 53 as employed for the slidable support of the rollers 38. It will be appreciated that with the mounting arrangement described for the rollers 30 and 32, these rollers may be readily removed from the bath as complete unit-handling assemblies tied to their respective mounting shafts 33 and M.

Also for the purpose of assuring an even flow of lubricant to the cable, I prefer that the rollers 38 be formed with concave surfaces at their peripheries so as to present greater contact surface areas to the cables being lubricated. The rollers 32 are preferably formed with convex peripheries fitting the concave surfaces of rollers 39 to assure smooth application of lubricant on the concave surfaces. In the event that the concave curvature of the rollers 3d may not initially completely conform with the curvature of the cables they are to lubricate, I prefer that the rollers be fabricated of a slightly deformable material. I have found plastic-impregnated and bonded plywood constructions highly satisfactory and of reasonable cost for the fabrication of both the rollers 3|] and the rollers 32. It may happen, particularly in the case of rollers 30 of larger diameters, that the efiiciency of oil-application to the cables is not as much as may be desired. In such case, I prefer to employ a felt, cloth, or other wick-like liner 30 extending circumferentially in the groove of the roller 30. It will be understood that the efficiency of lubricant-application will then be limited substantially only by the ability of the liner 3D to absorb the lubricant.

Further to assure an even flow of lubricant to the cables and constancy of depth of penetration of lubricant into the cable, it is desirable to maintain the lubricant in the bath 3| at a well-regulated elevated temperature. For this purpose, electric-heater means of conventional construction may be inserted in a fluid-tight chamber 44 extending generally transversely of the bath 3| and preferably at all times in contact with lubricant-i contained: therein." Power of the. heater: in: the tube 44 may be." supplied by: a conventional; flexible: connection? to a suitable electridpower outlet 46.

In order to assure a minimum of dropping or. of s splashing of i oil, particularly when rollers 30' of large; radius. are employed to. lubricate the: moreiremote: cables I8-Z3,I prefer'to employ individual gutters. 41, which may be detachably secured under: the parts of i the rollers 30 i that projecte beyondtheilip 48 of: the bath. 3!. The: gutters 41 may be designeditoreturn=substan ti'ally" allisplashe'd lubricant t to the" bath' 3 I. If desired', the gutter 41' may be: removably" at tached to thebath 3!, as by sliding=a suitable projection into a bracket or'loop 49 formedmn the 'lip 48.

In accordance with another feature of the invention; the bath 3| may be employed,- without removingit from its pivotal support on the platform- 34; in the-"lubrication. of the-set of cables 2l-29:located in the plane nearest-the bath 3!; For this purpose another set of' cable-wetting rollers so may: be mounted on the bath 31- in place 'ofthe'rollers {10. However, in view of the fact thatthef cables 24-2 9 are all staggered with respect to thecables Ill-'43; the primary wetting: rollers '32 must be transversely displaced with respect tot-he positionsthey assume when employed"in'the-lubrication of cables: l8 -23. accomplish this displacement with a minimum of adjustment, the rollers 32- together with shaft 41 to which they are mountedmay be removed: as a unit from the ways 43,- reversedendfor end,

and again inserted intothe ways 43, whereby the spacer washers 39-40 are then located at the opposite end of the bath 3|. The cablewetting rollers 50 are preferably similar: in all respects to the rollers 30 except-that they are of reduced diameter to accommodate the closer set of cables. A's'in the case of the rollers 30, the rollersv 50 may be mounted ona common-axial. shaft 5! having spacing washers 52-53ata one end thereof. and bearings 54 slidably receivable inithe ways43. It will be appreciated that when using the smaller rollers 50 for lubricating' the smaller cables 24-49, there-i is relatively little projection of the cable-wetting rollers 50. beyond the lip 48 of the bath 3i and that there may, therefore, be no need for drip-catching gutters such as gutters 41 described for use with the rollers 30.

It will be appreciated that I have described a relatively simple mechanism for simultaneously lubricating a number of cables and for performing this function in a minimum of time. It will be clear that but one lubricating device will suffice to lubricate substantially the entire length of cables located in two spaced and diverging planes. However, if but one lubricating device is employed, at least two operations of the bridge may be needed to lubricate all cables. If it is desired to lubricate all cables in a single operation of the bridge, the dual arrangement of lubricators (shown in Fig. 1) may be employed. It will be noted that the employment of lubricating devices on both sides of the sheave means l3 may also permit the lubrication of a more substantial length of the cables. Substantially the entire length of cable running over the sheave (i, e. the flexed length of cable) may be lubricated in this manner. v

Viewed in its broader aspects, my invention will be seen to provide a means for substantially reducing the cost of maintaining cables and structures? ofitheT-character;indicated:auditore11-- fectlng; this maintenance i inbut a a small? tracetl'ont of the timeetormerlyz'requi-red. The saving in time is reflected inssavingsainxcostszasawelifas: in a very material! reduction inrthe time for which thevbridge: must: be: closed: ton traffic:

While-I have." describedzmy invention imdetail for the ":preferred formzsliown; itt.-w-ill be. .appret elated that 1' modificationsmay be: made: within the: scope of. the; invention; as; defined. in the claims which' follows.

I claim? 1;..In a device of' the character indicated; at,

bathfor holding lubricant, a first" rollerpivota'll'y supported' by said bath for. partial: lma mersion in lubricant held l in said bath, and? a: second i roller radially freely. slidably supported by said bath generally above said first roller. in wiping contact with an exposed' un=- immersed portionof said first roller;

2. In a device of the character indicated'l a bathfifor hol ding lubricant; a; first? roller .plvotally supported by said I bath f or partial immersion in: lubricant held in said bath, a second rroller sup ported -by said bathand in wiping:- contact! with: an exposed unimmersed portion of said first? roller; .and generally upwardly extending guide means freely slidinglyguiding said :secondzrollen generally upwardly'of said first roller; the axis of saidsecond roller-being supported generally:

horizontally betweenuthe axis of said-firstlrollen and a generally" vertically extending surface to be lubricated, whereby saidsecond roller may freely-assume": a continuous wiping contact: with: the surface to be lubricated' while" maintaining: both said roll'ers m wipingcontact.

3} In a-- device..-oI= 'the characterindicated; an bath for holdinglubricant; a: first: roller: piv-- otally' supported bysald bath for partial; im-- mersion in lubricant: heldin r said bath, a=- second-3 roller supported by' said bath and in: wiping. contact 'with arr exposed unimmersedfportion of said first -roller; and' means for pivotally' suph porting' said bath, wherebysaidibath whenntiltedi may, of'its own accord, urgesaidlsecond' roller:

into wiping contact-with: a: cable or: the like: to" be lubricated 4'! A device according: to: claim 3; in. which the pivotal axes of said rollers and of said bath are substantially parallel to each other.

5. In a device for lubricating a plurality of cables, a bath for holding lubricant, roller means supported by said bath for partial immersion in lubricant held in said bath and for peripheral wiping contact with said cables, and a pivotal support for said bath for the purpose set forth.

6. In a device for lubricating a plurality of cables, a bath for holding lubricant, first roller means pivotally supported by said bath for partial immersion for lubricant held in said bath, second roll'er means for peripheral wiping contact with said first roller means and with said cables, and supporting means for supporting said second roller means on said bath, said supporting means including guide means extending generally radially and upwardly from the pivotal axis of said first roller means, said guide means slidably guidingly supporting said second roller means for free radial positioning of said second roller means radially of said first roller means, whereby said second roller means may be urged by its own weight to ride freely on said first roller means.

7. A device according to claim 6, in which heater means are provided in said bath for 7 maintaining lubricant contained therein at a desired elevated temperature, whereby lubricant applied to a cable by said device may more readily penetrate the cable.

8. In a device for lubricating a plurality of cables spaced from each other and lying in substantially the same plane, a bath for lubricant, first roller means including a plurality of rollers spaced in accordance with spacings of said cables and supported for partial immersion in lubricant in said bath, second roller means comprising a plurality of rollers spaced in accordance with the spacings of said cables and in peripheral wiping contact with the rollers of said first roller means and projecting from said bath for wiping contact with said cables, and means for pivotally supporting said bath to the side of said bath away from the side on which wiping contact with said cables occurs, the pivotal axes of said roller means and of said bath being substantially parallel.

' 9. In a device for lubricating a plurality of spaced cables, some of which lie in one plane and some of which lie in another plane spaced from said first plane, a bath for lubricant, first roller means for partial immersion in lubricant held by said bath, second roller means for peripheral wiping contact with said first roller means and with the cables in the plane further from said bath, and means for pivotally supporting said bath for tilting toward said cables.

.10. In a device for lubricating a plurality of spaced cables, some of which lie substantially in one plane and some of which lie substantially in another plane, said planes intersecting in a line extending transversely of said cables, the two cables nearest transversely adjacent to a first cable in one of said planes both lying in the other of said planes, a bath for lubricant said bath includes a projecting lip under said roller and extending into proximity with said first cable for catching lubricant dripping from said roller and for returning said lubricant to said bath.

12. A device according to claim 10, in which said roller is formed with a circumferentially extending concave surface of curvature generally in conformity with that of said first cable, and wherein said first roller means includes a circumferentially extending convex surface to fit said concave surface.

13. In a device for lubricating a plurality of spaced cables, some of which lie substantially equally spaced in one plane and some of which lie substantially equally spaced in another plane, said planes intersecting in a line extending transversely of said cables, the cables in one plane being transversely staggered between the cables in the other plane, a bath for lubricant supported to one side of said cables and having a side transversely spanning said cables, said bath being urged toward said cables, roller means in-- cluding rollers spaced to wipe every other of said cables, means for supporting said roller means on both ends of said bath, and spacer means for spacing said roller means away from one of said ends more than from the other of said ends by an amount corresponding to the transverse spacing between adjacent cables, whereby said roller means may be employed to lubricate the cables in one of said planes in a first operation and the cables in the other of said planes in a second operation.

JOHN EDMUND TONNELIER.

REFERENCES CITED The following referenlces are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,207,447 Persson Dec. 5, 1916 1,657,151 Corlew Jan. 24, 1928 1,700,929 Fish Feb. 5, 1929 1,794,725 Minor Nov. 3, 1931 1,967,751 Goerlich July 24, 1934 2,271,697 Lefiier et a1. Feb. 3, 1942 

